The Minnesota State Fair has been called the “Great Minnesota Get Together” and rightfully so as it brought FFA members together to show livestock, compete in contests and help run the CHS Miracle of Birth Center.

Over thirty FFA members from across the state were selected through an application and interview process to help maintain the CHS Miracle of Birth Center over the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair. Matt Garrels (Pictured lower right) of the Hutchinson FFA Chapter served as one of the MOBC Barnyard Attendants for a six day shift during the fair. Garrels’ role during the fair was to help clean and care for the animals in the MOBC as well as welcome fairgoers and answer questions about the animals. The CHS Miracle of Birth Center allows fairgoers an opportunity to witness live births of sheep, pigs and cows as well as experience what life is like on a farm. FFA members, veterinarians and veterinary students all work together throughout the fair to ensure that the animals are well cared for just as the animals are on their own farms.

The Miracle of Birth Center has been in existence since 2001 and in 2006 the new CHS Miracle of Birth Center was built. Thousands of fairgoers walk through the facility daily and it is an exceptional opportunity to bring the farm to the city and help tell the story of agriculture.

Chelsea Vilchis, State FFA Reporter, and Katie Eggert, Region V FFA President, also represented the FFA in the Leadership House at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center during the Great Minnesota Get Together.